Reflections on Luke 3

Joachim-PATENIER-The-Baptism-of-Christ-1515-Kunsthistorisches-Museum-Vienna

This week begins a real shift in Luke’s Gospel.  The first two chapters have provided a theological context for the story of Jesus and have placed Jesus as God’s chosen one by foretelling and grounding his story in the preparation and expectation.

Indeed some scholars suggest that the pattern of Luke’s gospel is the pattern the church has adopted for it’s two high and holy seasons, Christmas and Easter. Without preparation, both would be devoid of any impactful meaning.  Can you imagine Christmas or Easter without the weeks of preparation and anticipation?

The meaning would be diminished dramatically.

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